What’s the fascination with crime movies? Why do some of us love to spend a weekend binge-watching criminal psychological thrillers on TV? Granted, it’s a great form of escapism if that’s what takes your fancy – there’s a kind of thrill that comes with it too!
Crime and murder serials are equally popular, portraying some of the worst acts carried out by mankind. Have you ever wondered what draws you to watch real-life crime stories when it’s the last thing you ever want happening to you in your life? Well, believe it or not, there are pretty good reasons why you love watching this movie genre.
1. Escapism That Allows You to Engage
A good crime thriller plot will keep your mind and imagination fully engaged while giving you a feeling of satisfaction as you put the puzzle pieces together. Often, you get to unpack and solve the mystery together with the star of the show (who’s often a charismatic detective!) without becoming a police officer yourself.
The more you engage in the movie plot, the more thrilling it feels, PLUS you feel an immense sense of satisfaction when you solve the crime. You get to interact with your imagination as the mystery unfolds and have an immersive experience with the characters in the drama. What better way to escape the humdrum of everyday life?
2. Makes You Grateful for Your Survival
True crime stories depict the dangers and fears that most humans face daily, and yet, fortunately for most of us; we get to avoid most of them. Watching a real-life crime movie reminds you of your survival and how grateful you are for not experiencing the horrors other people have endured.
The crime movie genre reminds you of your survival instinct as you watch less fortunate characters experience terrifying events that could have happened to you. Watching the unfolding of a true crime story reminds you of a potential “close call” that you’ve managed to avoid yourself. You have your survival instinct to be thankful for!
3. You Get to Explore the Dark Side of Humankind
Murderers, rapists, and serial killers intrigue us on a dark and deeper level. You get to see a side of humankind you can’t imagine ever owning yourself, and yet, we’re all connected. You can’t help but be fascinated by another person who could be similar to you in so many ways but is capable of committing horrific and violent acts.
Watching crime movies lets you explore your darker side, which includes intrusive thoughts that you would never dream of acting upon. But what makes some humans give in to their dark sides? Therein lies the fascination with criminals who choose to indulge in societal taboos, such as marauding bank robbers and violent serial murderers.
The true crime genre is so popular that it’s inspired other types of media, such as bank robber games and even Halloween costumes.
4. You Enjoy the Rush of Excitement
Adrenalin junkies rely on extreme sports, adventure, and watching crime thrillers or horror movies for a rush of excitement. If mountain climbing, skydiving, or bungee jumping isn’t your scene, but you like to experience adrenaline now and then, a crime thriller could tick the box for you! What’s more, you get to have your rush of excitement from the comfort of your couch!
Viewing a murder mystery stimulates our innate fear without there being a real threat to our well-being. You get a hearty dose of adrenalin that increases your level of excitement without putting you in any danger.
5. Satisfies Your Need for Morality
Most human beings are driven by a need for morality – the discernment between right and wrong is vitally important for our basic survival. Watching a crime show that highlights the murderer or criminal’s terrible acts only to be caught and convicted for their despicable behavior satisfies our need for righteousness.
You identify with the victim – after all, it could be you – and watch in anticipation as the detectives unravel the clues left behind from the scene of the crime. When the criminal is finally hunted down and brought to justice, you feel a huge sense of satisfaction and relief as the wrongdoing has been amended. Your need for morality has been protected once more.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more satisfying or exciting than watching an excellent crime movie that follows a typical narrative formula that includes conflict and a reassuring outcome, even more so when it becomes an immersive experience for you as a viewer! Go on, be captivated, and enjoy the ride – a bit of thrill doesn’t do you any harm!
